Westfield Matildas star Lisa de Vanna joins Football NSW
Football NSW is pleased to announce the appointment of Westfield Matildas star striker Lisa De Vanna as a Community and Club Development Officer for the upcoming summer.
Having recently signed with Sydney FC for the 2017/18 Westfield W-League season, Head of Member Services, Community Football and Game Development, Peter Hugg said it was an ideal opportunity for Football NSW to utilise her time whilst in Sydney.
“Lisa has demonstrated over many years in the W-League and with the Matildas what she can do on the park, and as soon as she expressed a desire to be involved in some of our programs and give something back to the game, it was a very easy decision for us to take her on.
“Lisa will work side by side with our ALDI MiniRoos and Game Development Officers visiting clubs, schools and community groups promoting the game to aspiring young girls and encouraging youngsters to follow in her footsteps all the way to the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics.”
De Vanna has played 126 internationals with the Westfield Matildas since making her debut in 2004 and will most likely spearhead the attack in Melbourne against the visiting Chinese team in late November.
The 32-year-old is Australia’s leading women’s goal scorer with 43 goals, a skill that she will also look to impart on members of the Football NSW Girls Institute program and others coming through the state’s talented player pathway system.
De Vanna was looking forward to putting back something into the game she has adored for so many years.
“My journey and pathway to the top hasn’t always been the easiest and now I just want to help others fulfil their dreams and make them aware of some of the challenges ahead.
“With my playing career coming to an end, I am now beginning to consider options once I decide to hang up my boots.
“I am finishing my C-licence coaching accreditation and ideally, I would like to continue to be involved in the game helping out where I can and passing on whatever knowledge I have learnt from my years in the national team. I am particularly looking forward to assisting some of the Football NSW Institute squads and hopefully helping develop future young Westfield Matildas.”
